Police officers arrested a man and a boy charging both with attempted murder within an hour after a 37-year-old city man was shot in the leg on East 29th Street late Monday night, according to police.
Shamir Milligan, 21, and a 15-year-old boy were arrested on attempted murder, armed robbery, weapons offenses, and possession of stolen property.
Milligan and the youth allegedly approached the victim who exited a residence on East 29th Street between 10th and 11th Avenues at about 11:15 p.m. last night. Police said they made demands for the victim’s belongings.
The victim attempted to flee from the armed suspects, but was shot in the leg. Police said one of the suspects fired several rounds at the victim.
Police responded to the shooting. The victim was transported to St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center for treatment. He is in stable condition, according to police.
While police were investigating the shooting, the two suspects hit Cepeda Grocery on River Street.
Shots were fired inside the store and the suspect took money from the shop. Patrol lieutenant Kevin Dunn was flagged down and informed of the armed robbery at 556 River Street.
Police obtained information two suspects had robbed the store at about 11:55 p.m. A suspect and vehicle description was transmitted through a general police broadcast.
Police officers Shady Omar and Pedro Menacho pulled over a vehicle matching the description at 12:05 a.m. on 7th Avenue and Alois Place.
Three firearms were recovered from the vehicle. Police also seized money that was taken during the grocery store robbery. Two .40 caliber semi-automatic handguns one of which was reported stolen and a 9 mm semi-automatic were recovered, according to police.
Detectives Edgar Torres, Francisco Brito, Steve Leishman, and Abe Hamdeh’s investigated the shooting and determined the youth and the man were connected to the shooting and the store robbery.
“The teamwork and coordination between the officers and investigators involved is more than exemplary,” commended police director Jerry Speziale. “The officers and investigators involved were able to see the situation for what it was and are endowed with the skills required to piece it together in a matter of minutes.”
Police continue to investigate both incidents anyone with information is being asked to contact the detectives at (973) 321-1342 or (973) 321-1120.